By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 15: It is said that a new complex currently under construction in Petra Jaya here is set to be ‘The White House’ of Sarawak.
According to reliable sources, this new facility is set to become the official residence-cum-administrative office of the Premier of Sarawak.
A check by DayakDaily today saw that there are three buildings constructed in the area so far.
At the centre is a large building at least three storeys high which is assumed to be the administrative office.
There are also two smaller buildings of double-storey height located at the respective sides of the administrative centre, with one believed will be used as the official residence of the head of the Sarawak government.
The source further said that the alleged ‘White House’ of Sarawak is timely considering that other states in Malaysia have official residences for their respective Chief Minister or Menteri Besar.
It is believed that the new facility will replace the old ‘Rumah Sarawak’ located at Jalan Taman Budaya, Kuching, which previously served as the old residence of Sarawak chief ministers, with the last occupant being the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
During his reign, Taib left ‘Rumah Sarawak’ and made his own house in Demak Jaya as his official residence as the Chief Minister and later, Governor of Sarawak.
The source further said the current Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, is keen to have this new complex most likely due to its close proximity to the main administrative centre located at Wisma Bapa Malaysia.
Located just in front of Datuk Amar Abang Haji Suleiman bin Haji Taha Roundabout (Wisma Sesco roundabout in Petra Jaya), the new facility will be near to other government buildings such as Wisma Pelita, Wisma Sumber Alam, Wisma Sesco and Sarawak State Library (opposite). — DayakDaily
